Party

On our last day David met us in the hotel lobby for a party. On this day is the national holiday of the Festival of Purim. This relates to the salvation of the Jews at the time of Queen Esther. Because of her efforts with the king she was able to reverse an evil edict that would have eradicated all the Jews. The details of this are in the Book of Esther. This festival is the most joyous event on the Jewish calendar. Several activities are part of this celebration including dressing in costumes. The festival celebrates the fact that God is always pulling the strings even when things seem to be just happening. In the Book of Esther the name of God is not mentioned; however, as one reads this story the conclusion is vivid that God orchestrated all the events to save His chosen people.
David brought two large bags filled with silly hats and we all put them on and then we started singing all sorts of songs, laughing and having a good time. Others in the lobby soon came and joined us. One group beside us playing cards were from Orlando. When they learned we were from Florida, they joined in and put on hats and sang with us. We sang God Bless America and the people in the lobby either stood and listened or sang with us. We even wore our hats to dinner and continued the party in the buffet line. It was a good ending to an incredible 8 days of visiting Israel and walking where Jesus walked.

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